Home#NeverTrumpMitt Romney Takes a Calculated Shot at Trump as He Heads to...

Mitt Romney Takes a Calculated Shot at Trump as He Heads to the Senate

January 2, 2019

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Incoming Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, a pacesetter of the GOP’s “By no means Trump” motion in 2016, heaped scorn on President Donald Trump in a Washington Submit Op-Ed.

The Utah Republican, who ran unsuccessfully for the White Home in 2012, was elected to the Senate in November and begins his time period Thursday.

Within the Op-Ed, revealed Tuesday, Romney admitted he opposed Trump however mentioned that at one level, primarily based on early appointments, he had excessive hopes for the Trump presidency. Now not.

Romney wrote that “on steadiness, his conduct over the previous two years, significantly his actions this month, is proof that the president has not risen to the mantle of the workplace.”

Trump was not lengthy in reacting to the column, which ran with the headline, “The president shapes the general public character of the nation. Trump’s character falls quick.”

“Right here we go along with Mitt Romney, however so quick! Query can be, is he a Flake?” Trump tweeted, invoking outgoing Sen. Jeff Flake. The Arizona Republican bitterly opposed Trump’s insurance policies previous to his departure from the Senate.

“I hope not,” he continued. “Would a lot favor that Mitt give attention to Border Safety and so many different issues the place he may be useful. I gained massive, and he didn’t. He must be pleased for all Republicans. Be a TEAM participant & WIN!”

Right here we go along with Mitt Romney, however so quick! Query can be, is he a Flake? I hope not. Would a lot favor that Mitt give attention to Border Safety and so many different issues the place he may be useful. I gained massive, and he didn’t. He must be pleased for all Republicans. Be a TEAM participant & WIN!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2019

Trump had endorsed Romney within the Republican major bid for the seat vacated by outgoing Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah.

.@MittRomney has introduced he’s working for the Senate from the fantastic State of Utah. He’ll make a fantastic Senator and worthy successor to @OrrinHatch, and has my full help and endorsement!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2018

When Romney gained, the president praised the previous Massachusetts governor.

Large and conclusive win by Mitt Romney. Congratulations! I look ahead to working collectively – there’s a lot good to do. A terrific and loving household can be coming to D.C.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 27, 2018

RELATED: Trump’s Harshest GOP Critics Are Packing Up and Leaving

If Trump thought Romney could be an ally in Washington, the Op-Ed signifies in any other case.

Romney wrote that Trump’s administration “made a deep descent in December.”

“The departures of Protection Secretary Jim Mattis and White Home Chief of Employees John F. Kelly, the appointment of senior individuals of lesser expertise, the abandonment of allies who battle beside us, and the president’s inconsiderate declare that America has lengthy been a ‘sucker’ in world affairs all outlined his presidency down,” he wrote.

Do you agree with Romney’s views on Trump?

Romney admitted that he has few coverage bones to choose with Trump, however mentioned that Trump has been missing within the position of moralist-in-chief.

“To a fantastic diploma, a presidency shapes the general public character of the nation,” he wrote. “A president ought to unite us and encourage us to observe ‘our higher angels.’ A president ought to show the important qualities of honesty and integrity, and elevate the nationwide discourse with comity and mutual respect. As a nation, we now have been blessed with presidents who’ve known as on the greatness of the American spirit. With the nation so divided, resentful and indignant, presidential management in qualities of character is indispensable. And it’s on this province the place the incumbent’s shortfall has been most obvious.”

Romney additionally mentioned Trump’s strategies have opened rifts across the globe.

“Trump’s phrases and actions have prompted dismay world wide,” he wrote.

Romney’s phrases drew a combined response on social media.

I get that @MittRomney doesn’t like @realDonaldTrump However for the reason that elegant new senator from #Utah accepted the president’s endorsement & earlier even petitioned @POTUS for a Cupboard-level place, Mr. Romney’s op-ed appears impolite & has the trimmings of political showboating.

— Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) January 2, 2019

More than happy GOP Senator-elect Mitt Romney is talking some fact about @realDonaldTrump. I simply hope he isn’t one other Jeff Flake who says one factor and votes the opposite manner. https://t.co/KqM8aNDOVF

— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) January 2, 2019

Yea, Trump is an ignorant, dishonest bully and con man, however who’s @MittRomney? The type of spineless, rudderless wimp who’d write an op-ed ripping Trump at the moment, however be first in line tomorrow begging to work for Trump if a plum place in Trump’s Administration opened up.

— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) January 2, 2019

Trying to the longer term, Romney made it clear he’ll again Trump when and if it fits him.

“I look ahead to engaged on these priorities with Senate Majority Chief Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and different senators,” he wrote.

As for Trump, “I’ll help insurance policies that I consider are in the perfect curiosity of the nation and my state, and oppose these that aren’t,” Romney wrote.

“I don’t intend to touch upon each tweet or fault. However I’ll communicate out towards vital statements or actions which can be divisive, racist, sexist, anti-immigrant, dishonest or damaging to democratic establishments,” he added.

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